Chapter 176: A Bond of Brotherhood with the Crown Prince

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Inside the imperial palace, within the royal garden— 

Wang Li and Dugu Bo arrived after being invited. As soon as they appeared, Emperor Xue Ye warmly welcomed them: 

"Wang Li, Your Excellency the Jade Phosphor Douluo, you've arrived. Come, take a seat. Today's gathering is a private one—there's no need for formalities or restraint." 

Upon entering, Wang Li and Dugu Bo immediately noticed the second elder of the Clear Sky Sect—an elderly man with long eyebrows, exuding an air of formidable strength. 

Seeing this, Emperor Xue Ye smiled and introduced him: 

"This is the second elder of the Clear Sky Sect. He is here to clarify matters regarding Tang Hao and Tang San. Both Tang Hao and Tang San were expelled from the Clear Sky Sect long ago; they are no longer disciples of the sect." 

"The actions of Tang Hao and Tang San have nothing to do with the Clear Sky Sect, and the sect cannot be held responsible for their deeds. However, despite this, the Clear Sky Sect is still willing to offer compensation. Furthermore, according to intelligence from the Spirit Hall, Tang Hao has already been eliminated by their pursuit squads. As such, I have decided not to pursue the matter further with the Clear Sky Sect." 

"Moreover, Wang Li, while you are undoubtedly a rare genius on this continent, the Clear Sky Sect remains the number one sect under the heavens, producing countless powerful individuals generation after generation. Therefore, I have decided to help you and the sect resolve your grievances and turn hostility into harmony. This benefits both sides." 

Emperor Xue Ye was no fool. He had simply sat on the throne for so long that he had grown accustomed to ruling with the mindset of an emperor. Wang Li and Dugu Bo had once saved his life, and he valued them greatly. However, as an emperor, he could not afford to rely solely on them. 

That was impossible. The Clear Sky Sect had shown great sincerity. A Titled Douluo, two Spirit Douluos, and four Soul Saint—all powerful cultivators—hailed from their ranks. Such a force was incredibly formidable. If necessary, he could even gain the sect's full support, a resource of immeasurable value. 

He was very tempted. Though Wang Li and Dugu Bo had grievances against Tang Hao and Tang San, they had no direct conflict with the Clear Sky Sect itself. 

If he could mediate successfully and gain the support of both parties, his Heaven Dou Empire could secure at least a century of peace. 

Wang Li could already see through Emperor Xue Ye's intentions. However, in his mind, he thought, "This old man really thinks too highly of himself." 

If not for Dugu Bo, Wang Li wouldn't have even had a reason to save Xue Ye in the first place. And now, Xue Ye was pushing his luck. As for the Clear Sky Sect? It could be destroyed with a single hand—why go through all this trouble? 

Still, he was curious about what exactly the Clear Sky Sect had offered to make Xue Ye so eager to accept them. 

"Your Majesty," Wang Li spoke, "Tang San originally took refuge in Yuexuan. After I drove Tang Hao away, the Crown Prince mysteriously disappeared. Are you certain there was no connection between these events? What exactly made you decide not to pursue the matter?" 

Hearing this, Xue Ye explained: 

"There must be some misunderstanding. Tang San is Tang Yuehua's nephew—it's only natural for him to stay at Yuexuan. At the time, Tang Hao was already gravely injured by you. As for Qinghe's disappearance, it pains me deeply, but it is unlikely to be related to Tang Hao or the Clear Sky Sect." 

"From now on, the Clear Sky Sect will station a Titled Douluo, two Spirit Douluos, and four Soul Saint at the Heaven Dou Palace as guest elders of the royal family. I expect everyone to maintain friendly relations." 

"Furthermore, the Clear Sky Sect still has at least five other Titled Douluo. Wang Li, Your Excellency the Jade Phosphor Douluo, maintaining harmony is the best outcome for all." 

By the end of his speech, Xue Ye couldn't help but sigh. He had truly gone to great lengths for Wang Li and Dugu Bo. Five Titled Douluo—what kind of force was that? It was a testament to the Clear Sky Sect's status as the undisputed leader of the Seven Great Sects and the foremost among the Upper Three Sects, rivaling even the Spirit Hall. 

Wang Li chuckled and shook his head. The Heaven Dou Empire was becoming more and more uninteresting. With the upcoming turmoil across the continent, it wasn't as if he was bound to protect Heaven Dou at all costs. 

He glanced at the white-browed elder, who was also watching him with an air of superiority. Coming from the strongest sect in the world, the elder naturally carried an air of arrogance. He harbored resentment toward Wang Li for heavily injuring Tang Hao—even though Tang Hao had long been expelled from the sect, as long as he still bore the name "Clear Sky," he remained connected to it. 

Wang Li smirked slightly before calmly stating: 

"Your Majesty, whether or not my grievances with Tang Hao, Tang San, and the Clear Sky Sect are resolved is of little consequence to me. Besides, the Crown Prince and I share an unbreakable bond. So, with that said—this is where we part ways." 

With that, Wang Li turned and left. This time, he left for good. 

Dugu Bo remained expressionless. Years ago, Xue Xing had saved his life, and in return, he had served as a guest elder for the Heaven Dou imperial family. Now, his grandson had saved Xue Ye's life as well—yet he could not stand idly by while his grandson was humiliated. 

The Heaven Dou Empire… there was no need to stay any longer. 

Without hesitation, Dugu Bo spoke bluntly: 

"Your Majesty, there's no need to prepare my stipend as a guest elder anymore. Farewell." 

With that, he turned and left without the slightest reluctance. 

Xue Ye immediately stood up, his breathing quickened. He watched Wang Li and Dugu Bo's departing figures, his brows furrowed, his expression dark. 

"You… you… Why can't you understand my painstaking efforts? Resolving this enmity benefits both sides! If you don't appreciate it, fine—but to speak to me in such a manner… Truly, how foolish!" 

At that moment, the second elder of the Clear Sky Sect spoke with pride: 

"Your Majesty, those two hold a grudge against our Clear Sky Sect over Tang Hao and Tang San—who were long expelled from our ranks. It only proves their arrogance. But it doesn't matter. Our Clear Sky Sect pays them no mind." 

"I came here primarily to clear up any misunderstandings with the empire. As long as Your Majesty trusts us, we are more than willing to support you." 

Xue Ye's expression softened slightly. He hadn't expected such a strong reaction from Wang Li and Dugu Bo. Though it was a pity, with the Clear Sky Sect's backing, he hadn't truly suffered a loss. Still, it stung to feel as though he had failed to control the situation. Forcing a smile, he responded: 

"With your assurance, I am at ease." 

--- 

 Meanwhile... 

Back home, Wang Li and Dugu Bo had just arrived when Dugu Yan curiously approached them. Upon hearing Wang Li recount the events, her expression turned furious. 

"That emperor—after you saved his life, he doesn't even care about your feelings? How ridiculous! He's nothing but an ungrateful fool!" 

Now that Dugu Bo had cut ties with Heaven Dou, he didn't bother reprimanding Dugu Yan for her disrespectful words. Instead, he calmly asked: 

"Xiao Li, what do you plan to do next? I heard Tang Hao has already been killed by the Spirit Hall's people. Lucky for him—otherwise, I would've made him wish he were dead." 

Wang Li pondered for a moment. The Spirit Hall's Soul Hunt operation was likely about to begin, and soon, the entire continent would descend into chaos. 

Then, he chuckled lightly and said: 

"I'll train for a while. Since returning from the Extreme North, I've taken a break—it's time to resume my cultivation." 

He planned to return to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, nurture the Blue Silver Emperor, and rapidly increase his soul power—preparing to truly step into the realm of Titled Douluo. 

Dugu Yan had no objections. She was determined to push forward as well, striving to break through to rank eighty. 

Dugu Bo also had no complaints. He would continue working hard to reach rank ninety-seven as soon as possible. 

(End of Chapter)